A press conference was held today regarding the Humboldt Broncos fatal bus crash.  Addressing the press was Humboldt Bronco president Kevin Garinger, Bill Chow the President of the SJHL, Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench, and Curtis Zablocki the assistant commissioner of the Saskatchewan RCMP.

RCMP have confirmed 14 deaths and 15 injuries after a semi collided with the bus near Tisdale Friday evening. There were 29 people on the team bus, including players, coach staff and the play-by-play broadcaster, as well as the bus driver.

Assistant Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, with the Saskatchewan RCMP, said the investigation will be looking at all aspects of the crash to figure out what happened.

"The driver of the semi-trailer tractor unit is not in custody," said Zablocki. "As part of the process of the investigation, the driver was detained initially. Our investigative processes were implemented and the driver has subsequently been released. He has also been provided with some mental health and wellness assistance."

The cause of the investigation is still under investigation. Zablocki said a number of avenues need to be considered such as road and weather conditions, the condition of the driver and mechanical conditions.

Zablocki praised the work of about 50 emergency personnel who responded to the accident site Friday evening. Two STARS air ambulances were called to the scene, along with area police, fire and rescue, and emergency medical technicians. Several volunteers who came across the scene also offered their assistance.

There is a vigil planned for tomorrow night at the Uniplex in Humbolt starting at 7 pm.  In addition, grief counsellors are available at the Uniplex for anyone seeking support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archive of the press conference held this afternoon at 1 PM can be found below: